Mel’s latest canning adventure was with apples.  Lot’s of apples.  Eight people of Hope (the biggest turnout yet… Bean canning was the lowest turnout) assembled at Joanna’s place this past Wednesday to put away apples for the winter.  One participant refused to can, but got 8 quarts of applesauce to freeze.  He described the event as including lots of peeling and slicing… but well worth it given the results.  The others got less applesauce, but also made some canned pie filling for those winter potlucks (at least we can hope, right Keith?).  I haven’t heard of any other upcoming canning adventures this fall.  But let’s hope Mel has this energy next year and motives the rest of us to put away more produce for the winter.

This year Hope is having an Apple of God’s Eye Festival.  Apple butter is back!  The church will be making it throughout the day, and it will be featured at the dinner in the evening.

The event will begin with a clothing swap from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  Bring gently used clothing (men’s, women’s, kid’s) and swap it for something you like better.  All clothes not swapped at the end will be donated.

The spaghetti supper will begin at 4:30 p.m. and go until 6:30 p.m.  All the proceeds will support the youth that attend National Youth Conference in 2010.  While I haven’t been told the bread that the apple butter will go on is to be homemade, I can’t imagine it will be any other kind.  The women of the church really know how to bake bread!

The day will then end with a concert by Bound 4 Glory.  It’s a quartet from Ft. Wayne that features Jerry Brenneman, a former pastor at Hope.

There isn’t anything more special than a baby being born into the church.  Mel and Eric are sharing this with us!  To celebrate, we are planning a baby shower on October 18 after the service and study hour (around noon).  There will be food and fun (potluck).  The shower is for women AND men, so don’t skip out on us guys (Keith, the deal is still on: there’s a pie in it for you if you come).  For a list of things they would still like for the baby look at this Baby Shower List.

If you do, bring ‘em to the church on Saturday, September 26 and can ‘em.  Mel is organizing the third Hope canning party of the season.  The peach and tomato canning events were given two thumbs up by those that participated.  Now it’s time from green beans.  Let Mel know (mel@ericbradley.com) that you want to can some beans, and how many… then join her and the others at Hope September 26 at 12:30.  Who knows, you might be able to hear Doug’s sermons better if you get those beans out of your ears!

Last week it was peaches, soon it will be tomatoes.  We have some new blood at the church and she’s nicely shaking things up.  Mel has been wanting to can and she’s engaged the church in her dream.  Three families canned peaches last week (more came to help and socialize).  September 12 she’s canning tomatoes and is looking for people to can with her.  If anyone is interested email Mel Bradley at mel@ericbradley.com for more information.  Coming this fall: apple sauce!

More photos have been added to the district conference photo album.  To check them out, click here.

Last Sunday was Hope’s annual picnic.  The church folks out did themselves with the food.  The desserts alone could have made a meal (and did for some, I think).  But the big event was the cornhole tournament. Many folks were seen warming up, but not all competed. (Hey Bill, that looks like good form.  Where were you when the tournament started?)  This year there were 9 teams competing.  The final match between John & Joanna and Dorothy & Becky was gripping.  The match tied at 21-21 and went into overtime play.  And the winner was… J&J!  I have the brackets that the tournament organizer provided (though I think I have the lower half incorrect… sorry). While J&J might have won the tournament, Mel & Eric won the drawing for the cornhole toss game.  Guess we know who’ll be practicing for next year’s tournament!

For a better look, click here.

The quilt that is being raffled off this year is behind these two lovely ladies.  See the quilters or contact the church for raffle tickets.  All money goes to Habitat for Humanity.

Future cornhole toss champion.

Click here for more photos.

NOAC is almost here, but you have to be 50 years of age or older to attend.  If you meet the age requirement, mark your calendars for September 7-11, 2009 and start packing your bags.  The conference is held in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Everyone from the church that has gone in the past says it’s a good time. Unlike NYC, it doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!  For more information about NOAC, click here. For the registration form click here.

National Youth Conference is closer than you think.  The district youth have actively been trying to earn money through car washes and concession stands at District Conference.  They are also selling t-shirts to raise money (click here to see shirts).

NYC will be July 17-22, 2010 at Colorado State University.  Plan now!

For more information about NYC, click here.

and here

NOTE: I also marked 2010 camp dates on Hope’s calendar if you want to make sure you plan your summer around the camp schedules.